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Date:

November 19, 1797

Extent:

2p

Summary:

This document is a letter written to Andrew Jackson, with copies also being sent to Joseph Anderson and William Claiborne, by Governor John Sevier (1796-1801, 1803-1809) on November 19, 1797. In the letter, Sevier describes the murder of two Indians. Sevier says that the Indian people of the area are distressed over the murders, but promise that no retaliation for the murders will occur. Sevier explains that several people have left the area, while others remain and refuse to leave. Sevier asks Jackson for his support in dealing with the distressed people.

Since you left Tennessee two indians was inhumanly Murdered, near the Mouth of Stones river [River] . The circumstances appear is reported, that the indians at Hayse's [Hayes's] Station , was somewhat a little intoxicated, and braged [bragged] boasted of their war exploits, Said they had killed Hays [Hayes] the former owner of that the station, and a young man of the name of McCown near the same place It in the Course of a day or two afterwards the two indians Were found near their Camp, both dead, and shot through their bodies — Notwithstanding the Murder being thus committed, the indians on the Cumberland road , And every where [everywhere] else seem friendly disposed, and Say no damage Shall be done on their Side in as consequences a retaliation for their people killed —

Several persons Suspected, have been apprehended, but no proof of the overt Act could be had —

The people on what is called the indian lands, Appear to be in great distress, some have removed, & others have not, and say they will not, and [added: again] others that did remove, have returned, what will be the consequence I am not able to foretell, but I realy [really] fear the event.

I need not request you to use your utmost exertions in behalf of these distressed people, for I am well assured you will, and if any thing [anything] can be done in their favor I hope you will it will lay both the people & myself under very great obligations